The results are in.

Yesterday, we received the complete results of our amniocentesis.  Elise has full Trisomy 18, with no translocation or mosaicism.  This means that every cell in her body has an extra chromosome 18.  This is typically the most severe form of Trisomy 18, but also the most common.  It wasn't a huge blow because we were already expecting that she would most likely have full T18.  We were kind of hoping that we would get a result of mosaic T18, since it is typically less severe, but God had already decided.

Yesterday I also received a surprise package in the mail!  It was a prayer shawl from a group of women that I first got to know during my pregnancy with Ainsley.  What a beautiful reminder of all of the prayers being said for our family and our baby!  We are truly blessed to have so much love headed our direction.

Otherwise, I have been doing better emotionally since my last post.  Baby Elise is still kicking every now and then (though she really kicks up a storm if I have ice cream!  What a great excuse to have another bowl ;) ).  For our peace of mind, we have ordered a fetal doppler online and it should arrive next week.  This way, if Elise is not moving we can quickly check for a heartbeat instead of having to rush in to labor and delivery all of the time.  It is common for babies with chromosome issues to have fewer movements.  Also, excess amniotic fluid is common with Trisomy 18, which makes it harder to feel baby's movements. 

Physically, my contractions have not really improved.  They are still just uncomfortable when sitting, but increasingly painful the longer I am standing.  Once again, I know that I am not in active labor, but it's still making every day life a bit more difficult.  I hope I get used to it soon!

I've been working on crocheting a baby blanket for Elise, and it has been very soothing.  I love thinking that someday I will be able to wrap her up in this soft blanket and snuggle her close.  Dreaming of holding her is one of my favorite things to think about these days.

"God's favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning." -Psalm 30.5